Etiquette Question

Just a curious observation for feedback. I noticed while in a meeting/conference room setting, when my Watch goes off with any sort of notification, that if I lift my wrist and check the notification, the people in the room find it annoying that I am checking my watch. Makes them feel I am tracking time or watching the clock! But, it is OK if people pick up their iPhones and check their messages and alerts. I don't think our society has captured the wrist technology thing yet. Any one else have this awkward feeling when checking their watch in front of other people?

Since a smart watch isn't as universal as a phone most people may assume you have a regular watch and checking the time. Only two people have noticed I have a  Watch the rest think it's a regular watch.
Checking a phone frequently is probably more acceptable because everyone does it and not having a smartphone is rare these days. Having a smart watch is still very rare.

The lift and peek was easy on the pebble but impossible for me on the Apple Watch. I have to turn my wrist to an almost awkward angle for the the screen to turn on and half the time it's not quick enough so then I have to use my other hand and swipe down. Could not be a worse experience for me.

Interesting aside. I read an article that physicians' patients are OK with their doctors taking notes on a laptop or iPad, but are turned off by them taking notes on a phone. I guess they feel that it gives the appearance of texting, that is, not paying attention.

I had lunch with a former colleague the other day and after about 20 minutes in I had to ask him if he had somewhere to be or if we need to hurry it up. Turns out he was receiving notifications on his watch and he was of course checking on them to be sure nothing was up. It was still extremely annoying to have someone checking their watch, smart watch or not, while having a conversation. I think in a meeting it would be that much more annoying as personally do not allow phones out during our meetings. We place them face down on the center of the table, have our meeting and then head back to whatever we do.

I know that doesn't answer your question at all though I'm hoping it gives some insight from the other side of the table so to speak. My opinion it is rude either way while having a meeting or lunch outing with co-workers, etc...

It is a balancing act, for sure - like with phones. I simply ignore messages unless I am expecting one. And then I tell the individual I need to let my lady know I am ok or whatever, but I am listening. In larger groups, I trust them to trust me to use my phone or Watch like an adult - ie with good gd reason.

The need to peek at that screen can be powerful sometimes. As I head into class (I teach), I turn off all sounds. Still, sometimes an email or text thread blows up and it's nearly impossible to ignore that haptic tap every few seconds. I've learned to tune it out, but it's not easy.